Comments on: Jerusalem Likely to Abandon Plans for More Light Rail Lines http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2009/03/31/jerusalem-likely-to-abandon-plans-for-more-light-rail-lines/ Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:02:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Todd Edelman Green Idea Factory http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2009/03/31/jerusalem-likely-to-abandon-plans-for-more-light-rail-lines/#comment-837 Todd Edelman Green Idea Factory Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:53:17 +0000 http://thetransportpolitic.com/?p=1822#comment-837 I would like to know more about the political problems of this project, its routing and so on in relation to the Palestinians... plus also its effect on Veolia losing a metro contract for Stockholm. I would like to know more about the political problems of this project, its routing and so on in relation to the Palestinians… plus also its effect on Veolia losing a metro contract for Stockholm.

]]> By: Jesse Fox http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2009/03/31/jerusalem-likely-to-abandon-plans-for-more-light-rail-lines/#comment-836 Jesse Fox Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:40:22 +0000 http://thetransportpolitic.com/?p=1822#comment-836 I have to disagree with your analysis. The light rail project in Jerusalem has been something of a disaster - so bad, in fact, that I wonder if any more light rails will ever be built in Israel. The construction process has dragged on with numerous delays, construction problems, lawsuits and mutual recriminations between the contractors and the city and a long list of other problems. In the meantime, the city's main street has been unusable for several years now. The shop keepers are losing money, people have stopped coming to the city, and the whole project has been nicknamed the "blight rail" by Jerusalem's frustrated citizens. Granted, this was an ambitious and worthy project, and getting cars out of the city center is an excellent idea. However, the actual implementation has been terrible. In Haifa, on the other hand, the city decided to build a first BRT line, which they did quickly and cheaply, and the results have been pretty good. Jerusalem's new mayor is an energetic and relatively competent man, so I imagine his decision to favor BRT for the next few lines of the system is based on substance more than politics. Let's hope that is indeed the case... Jesse www.sustainablecityblog.com I have to disagree with your analysis. The light rail project in Jerusalem has been something of a disaster – so bad, in fact, that I wonder if any more light rails will ever be built in Israel.

The construction process has dragged on with numerous delays, construction problems, lawsuits and mutual recriminations between the contractors and the city and a long list of other problems. In the meantime, the city’s main street has been unusable for several years now. The shop keepers are losing money, people have stopped coming to the city, and the whole project has been nicknamed the “blight rail” by Jerusalem’s frustrated citizens.

Granted, this was an ambitious and worthy project, and getting cars out of the city center is an excellent idea. However, the actual implementation has been terrible. In Haifa, on the other hand, the city decided to build a first BRT line, which they did quickly and cheaply, and the results have been pretty good.

Jerusalem’s new mayor is an energetic and relatively competent man, so I imagine his decision to favor BRT for the next few lines of the system is based on substance more than politics. Let’s hope that is indeed the case…

Jesse
http://www.sustainablecityblog.com

]]> By: BrianW http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2009/03/31/jerusalem-likely-to-abandon-plans-for-more-light-rail-lines/#comment-834 BrianW Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:21:34 +0000 http://thetransportpolitic.com/?p=1822#comment-834 I just checked up on the light rail construction when I was in Jerusalem last week. Here are some photos: <a href="http://www.railfanwindow.com/gallery2/v/TempByDate/2009-03-23/" rel="nofollow">March 23, 2009 - Israel</a> I'm disappointed by the idea of implementing BRT instead of LRT. The few years of ripped up streets are worth the permanent benefit of rail. I just checked up on the light rail construction when I was in Jerusalem last week. Here are some photos: March 23, 2009 – Israel

I’m disappointed by the idea of implementing BRT instead of LRT. The few years of ripped up streets are worth the permanent benefit of rail.

]]> By: Alon Levy http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2009/03/31/jerusalem-likely-to-abandon-plans-for-more-light-rail-lines/#comment-835 Alon Levy Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:06:17 +0000 http://thetransportpolitic.com/?p=1822#comment-835 The problem is that Israeli public services don't operate on the Sabbath for religious concerns. This effectively neuters them as an alternative to driving, except for commuting purposes. People who can afford cars buy them, leading to an American-style view that public transportation is for poor people. This isn't helped by the fact that the country's Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv is sketchy and labyrinthine. The problem is that Israeli public services don’t operate on the Sabbath for religious concerns. This effectively neuters them as an alternative to driving, except for commuting purposes. People who can afford cars buy them, leading to an American-style view that public transportation is for poor people. This isn’t helped by the fact that the country’s Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv is sketchy and labyrinthine.

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